Generalized anxiety
Generalized anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) – excessive anxiety and worry about a range of concerns (e.g., world events, finances, health, appearance, activities of family members and friends, work, school) accompanied by such symptoms as restlessness, fatigue, impaired concentration, irritability, muscle tension, and disturbed sleep. For a formal diagnosis of GAD, the worry is often experienced as difficult to control, and the various symptoms that accompany the concern and anxiety occur on more days than not for 6 months or more (APA dictionary of psychology).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes excessive, ongoing, and often irrational worry about daily activities and problems. For a diagnosis, this worry must last most days for at least six months and seriously affect everyday life.
People with GAD often feel constant anxiety about various aspects of life, including health, money, relationships, or work. This anxiety is often paired with physical symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tightness, tiredness, irritability, trouble sleeping, or stomach issues. Other common signs include sweating, trembling, or a racing heartbeat.
The DSM-5 describes GAD as a long-lasting condition that causes significant stress and difficulty in life. Certain factors, like being female, single, less educated, having poor health, or facing significant life challenges, make GAD more likely. The average age when GAD begins is around 30 years, though it can happen earlier or later.
The exact causes of GAD aren’t fully understood, but genetics play an important role. If a family member has GAD or another anxiety disorder, it increases the chances of developing the condition. Stressful life events or past psychological trauma may also trigger GAD.
GAD often happens alongside other mental or physical health problems, which can further lower quality of life.
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